This ordinance regulates residential rent increases in the City of Berkeley and protects tenants from unwarranted rent increases and arbitrary, discriminatory, or retaliatory evictions, in order to help maintain the diversity of the Berkeley community and to ensure compliance with legal obligations relating to the rental of housing. It creates a Rent Stabilization Board, establishes a rent ceiling, requires landlord to register rental properties and pay interest on security deposits and requires good cause for eviction.

The ordinance requires covered entities to pay a living wage of $10.55; indexes the living wage to the Consumer Price Index; allows for certain credits toward a living wage for employers; requires the city to publish an annual bulletin on announcing the adjusted Living Wages and Maximum Benefits Expenditure Credit for the coming year; requires covered employers to permit covered employees at least 10 days per year of paid sick leave; requires covered employers to provide at least 12 days of paid leave per year in addition to sick leave; establishes accrual and implementation provisions; prohibits retaliation; provides for certain exemptions; provides for enforcement and penalties for violations; and allows for private actions for damages or injunctive relief.